https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2022/07/16/los-angeles-chargers-under-the-radar-training-camp-defense/

4 under-the-radar Chargers players to watch during training camp: Defense

Gavino Borquez
July 16, 2022 2:39 pm PT

The Chargers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, with
notable players at every position.

However, a few have gotten little press coverage that will be worth
keeping an eye out on when the team reports to training camp in a couple
of weeks.

Here are four names on defense that should bring some intrigue as Los
Angeles looks to build the 53-man roster.

EDGE Jamal Davis II

The Chargers boast one of the league’s most talented edge defender duos
in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Chris Rumph is entering his second season
and is in a prime position to make a leap. Kyle Van Noy was signed to
add another pass-rush presence off the edge, but he should also see time
at inside linebacker. This group would benefit from another player for
depth, and Davis could make a strong push to earn it. Davis possesses
the athletic ability, physical profile, and tools to be a nice
rotational rusher. He recently played in the Canadian Football League
(CFL) for the Montreal Alouettes, where he recorded 17 tackles, four
sacks, and a defensive touchdown through nine games.

DT Breiden Fehoko

The Chargers are excited about the additions of Sebastian Joseph-Day and
Austin Johnson in hopes they can improve their porous run defense from
last season. But on the back end of the unit, there will be a battle for
one of the final spots and Fehoko presents an intriguing candidate that
would also help against the run, as he made an impact in the trenches in
his limited opportunities. On 65 run snaps, he had a stop percentage of
16.1, which ranked fourth, according to Pro Football Focus.

LB Nick Niemann

The Chargers’ middle-of-the-pack special teams did not have a lot of
veterans; instead, they rolled with their rookie class as the main core
last season. Among the crop, Niemann ended up being a bright spot,
finishing with 14 special teams tackles on coverage units, which tied
for fourth-most in the NFL. Los Angeles let their best linebacker, Kyzir
White, walk in free agency and while they added Troy Reeder, the
position still lacks talent. However, Niemann could prove to add a boost
on defense if he performs in camp.

CB Ja’Sir Taylor

The Chargers have a solid cornerback group after the additions of J.C.
Jackson and Bryce Callahan to complement Asante Samuel Jr. and Michael
Davis. But in an ever-revolving secondary in Brandon Staley’s system,
the team’s sixth-round pick could be a nice depth piece. Taylor has the
versatility to play in the slot and outside, has experience as a return
man, and the speed to serve as a gunner. At Wake Forest, Taylor logged
184 tackles, six interceptions, 24 passes defended, one sack, one forced
fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 62 career games. He also returned
kicks in his final season, averaging 26.3 yards per attempt, including
one touchdown, on eight attempts.
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